As I still had the rental car today, I took my two Polish neighbors, Adrian and Marcin, as well as two other German students, Kate and Chris, on a little roadtrip towards Woodstock, NB. For the most part, we mainly followed the River Scenic Drive along the St. John River, in order to enjoy the spectacle that is the Indian Summer. Coincidentally, we stopped in Nackwic, and there we found something without equal in the whole wide world: The world's laaaaaaaargest axe!

After the weather showed me yesterday that it really does not like whining at all, it was really nice again today. And that was good so, Weather(!), because the kayaking outing of the international students here at UNB was scheduled for the day,

As I have already been paddling once before, actually only a few days after I got here, this was not an entirely new experience for me. Nonetheless, it was fun again this time around... and I have also avoided sinking the kayak. Kayaking is very relaxing and is perfect for just letting your thoughts drift---unless of course you always have to take the sick line. Plus, it is good for the arms. My verdict: Two thumbs up!

Oh, and the reason why I prefer kayaking over canoeing, can be found here.

Even though George is looking a little condescending at the duck depicted on the Canadian Dollar (a "loonie"), now the duck is actually worth more than he is. Not historically, of course, although my affection for ducks is well known, but from a purely monetary perspective---this morning, I received 1.004 US Dollars for 1 Canadian Dollar.

EDIT: OK, now I see; that is no duck on the Canadian Dollar coin, but the Common Loon. Sometimes I might be a little slow, I guess.

I am back! When I picked up the Chevy Cobalt this morning, the nice lady at the counter told me that I was not supposed (read: allowed) to take the rental car out of Canada. So much for my plan of driving a couple of miles through Maine. Yet, I really, really wanted to see a bit of Maine---and not just the highway continuing on US territory. How was I too overcome this seemingly insurpassable hurdle? In the European way, of course: Walking. That might have been diffcult though, had I taken the border crossing at Woodstock Road. At that moment, St. Stephen sprang to mind. Thus, I changed the destination of my roadtrip today, spontaneously.

The issuing of my study permit was a rather quick and straight-forward process, the Canadian border officials were very, very friendly and helpful... I was rather pleasantly surprised. Subsequently, I crossed the bridge to Calais (rhymes with "palace") in Maine gelaufen and entered the USA. There, I was issued a tourist visa, by a very polite US officer, for a whopping $6---that makes the US the least expensive amusement park I have ever visited. The officers of the Department of Homeland Security were (almost) as obliging** as their Canadian counterparts---the Canadians maybe were a little friendlier.

Upon arriving in Maine, I explored the local museum. Although it was diminutive, it was a fun way to pass the time (plus, it was free). After the museum, I walked all over town, which, after all, is quite small, only to shamelessly take advantage of the very weak US dollar by having a very yummy Turkey Breast Sub-Sandwich at Subway's. Having stuffed my face, I quickly evacuated the US. What can I say? The feeling of finally having health insurance coverage again---priceless!

More on the drive, St. Stephen, the colorful fall leaves and everything that you always wanted to know, yet never dared to ask, in my next post.

** And I am not just saying that because they would otherwise not let me enter the USA ever again. And even if that were the case, I would not admit to it.

I really asked for it with my post yesterday, didn't I? Today, of course, it is raining. Just on the very day that I was going on my little road trip. But I don't want to whine, after all, it might get better.

I really don't want to complain about the weather being too good, but it is slightly strange, nonetheless. Except for the day of my arrival here, the Saturday before last, it did not rain a single day in Fredericton; quite the opposite, the sun was shining, the weather was just marvelous with temperatures approaching 30 degrees centigrade. OK, time for a little reality check: This is Canada! And although I am aware that it will be bitterly cold here in only a short, few weeks, I really was not prepared for this kind of fabulous weather.

But, as I said, I do not want to complain and am enjoying the sun. Even if I don't have anything appropriate to wear. Regards from southern France... oh, that was wrong, I meant New Brunswick.

As it appears to be not quite so easy to actually rent a car during the week, especially Tuesday through Thursday, I will only be able to get on the road on Friday. On the upside, I do get the weekend deal and can move my little rice-burner for half the regular price, if I also rent it on Saturday---which thus pretty much equalizes what I would have paid for a rental during the week, but gives me a car another day. Vroooooom!

As I have reported before, I still have to take care of getting my study permit issued. Following up on that, I have been to the International Student Advisor's Office here on campus and, as my luck would have it, have of course not met the lady knowledgable in these matters there today. Thus, I still do not know if it is possible to get the permit issued locally in Fredericton or if I will have to turn to the CBSA, who are responsible for immigration matters here.

If I have to go to a CBSA office, I can do that, as I have mentioned, next week in Montreal---resulting in the university having the documents no sooner than a fortnight from now, during which I will not get paid---or I can go to a border crossing station in the region; the choices for the latter option are either Woodstock Road or St Stephen. As I am itching to get this done and over with, I am looking for the speediest resolution. So, if I am unable to get things done in Fredericton, I guess I will be taking a trip to the border, after all.

Which opens a whole new can'o'worms: Renting a car. That shouldn't and wouldn't be a problem if this weren't Canada. If I want to take anything but the smallest option, a Toyota Yaris, I pretty much have to rent an American car. And my opinion on American cars is pretty much the same as Jeremy 'Jezza' Clarkson's. Thus, I am in somewhat of a bind here... but since there are only a few curves and corners here, I guess I can chance it. I think. Hopefully.

After the confimation of my request for a study permit from the Canadian embassy was conveniently sitting at home while I was on the plane here, I have to take care of my immigration status now. Today, finally, the letter contaning the confimation arrived. Now, the following question pops up: How exactly am I going to handle this? There are 2 (in letters: two) alternatives:

1. I rent a car and drive to St. Stephen, visit Maine for a bit and take care of the formalities upon re-entering Canada.2. As I am in Montreal on 10/4 anyway, I could just take care of it then and there.

Although this whole thing is a getting on my nerves a bit---if only I had all the letters ready when I left Germany---I think I will push it until next week and do it in Montreal. The only problem with that is that I will not get paid until then... I only hope that the tuition is not due until that date, or I will face bankruptcy.

By the way, in Montreal I will be attending a workshop chaired by my supervising professor; but more on that when I am there.

Before I came to Canada, I was under the impression that prices here, in the Atlantic Provinces, might be comparable to those in Iowa. It is, after all, the same continent, and, as is well known to each and every German, everything is always quite expensive in Germany.

Flashback, previous Monday: I am standing in the supermarket and want to buy a bottle of Coke Zero, a couple of apples and some bananas. OK, first stop, apples. A first look at the apple of my choice, Braeburn, shows it to be on sale. $1.99. Per pound (=453g). Without tax. Add to that 15 per cent sales tax. That makes a little more than $5 per kilo, or almost 3.60 Euro.

This is pretty much the same for all food stuff. Thus, first expectation: Cost of living in Canada < Cost of living in Germany == false!

On Saturday morning the trip continued north from Alma along the Coastal Drive. This region has only recently been added to the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Network by UNESCO. The drive was quite wonderful and brought us to Cape Enrage, where one can enjoy a great view of the Bay of Fundy.

From Cape Enrage, the drive continued to the Hopewell Rocks, rock formations shaped by the tides---one of the major tourist attractions of the region.

On Friday I was off to Alma on the Bay of Fundy. There you can find, according to the locals, the largest tides in the world, with a difference of up to 18 meters in water levels. Alma, located right next to the Fundy National Park, is a very picturesque fishing village. Following hike though the national park and dinner at the hotel's restaurant, the day was over rather quickly.